Greetings Earthlings!

A long time ago in a galaxy…

You know the rest. But I’m not here to talk about Star Wars; I’m here to talk about The Only Living Boy. Remember how a long time ago (September) when yeah write took the galaxy (Long Beach Comic Con) by storm? And how we did that microstory contest? And how the fabulous Steve Ellis took the winners and transformed them into something visuallyamazing? Yeah, well, Steve and his co-conspirator David Gallaher just dropped their new graphic novel, The Only Living Boy, in bookstores this week. We love these guys – they are incredible storytellers – and we think you should drop them a line to say thanks for hanging out with yeah write. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter; you might even considering buying the book. (Hint: Buying through our affiliate link will put a few pennies in yeah write’s pockets. It’s a win-win-win!)

And when you’re done over there, come on back here and give us your best 42 words.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Answer the ultimate question in exactly 42 words: what did the doctor say?

This week’s question requires a conversation with or advice from an expert on a real or metaphorical “illness.” The illness could be as simple as the common cold or as complex as global warming. The doctor could be a PhD, MD, or Doctor Mom.

Don’t get disqualified on a technicality

COUNT YOUR WORDS. Use your eyes, not your word processor. Your post may not be eligible for voting if you go over or under 42 words. And remember, any words surrounding your microstory — explanations, references, footnotes, shout-outs, etc. — will be counted against your 42-word limit. (The only exception is photo credits.)

PROOFREAD. Nothing is easier, and nothing will get you bumped from the voting grid faster than typos, spelling or punctuation mistakes, or grammatical errors. You’ve only got 42 words; mistakes stick out.

ANSWER THE QUESTION. We try to give you some basic guidelines with every question; pay attention to what we’re looking for. Keep in mind that your post has to make sense if your reader doesn’t know the question. Don’t use the question as your title or anywhere else in your piece.

Need a second set of eyes? Find yourself a writing partner over in the yeah writecoffeehouse.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The top 42 entries will be open for voting on Thursday

You may enter only one gargleblaster microstory. Submissions are moderated. All entries will show up on our submissions grid, and up to 42 entries will be moved to the voting grid, which opens on Thursday. Everybody: read, comment, vote! Participation is the key to making this community work.

If you don’t make the voting grid, don’t despair – you’ll get a detailed love letter from our wonderful submissions editor, Rowan G., letting you know what needed improvement. Email us or head over to our pages on Facebook and Twitter with any questions.

Winners will be announced on Friday

Look for Friday’s combined winners’ post to see the crowd favorites and editors’ picks from across all of our challenge grids.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Submit to the yeah write microstory challenge

The yeah write weekly writing challenge is now open for microstories. You can check out the submission guidelines and join us with your 42-word microstory using the button below.